Author: MarlboroughMan
Date: 2017-08-02 18:08
The current sound trends can only last if they can accomplish the job of playing in certain venues and ensembles. If not...they'll have to change.
I find it amusing that glass mouthpieces were anathema to 'legit' players thirty years ago (for the most part). Now everyone and his brother is playing them as the latest thing. Undoubtedly the wheel of fashion will turn yet again. It'll be funny to see what they 'discover' next...maybe high end double walled silver clarinets for $50,000? I can't wait...
My current setup (purchased over the last six years) ran $600 total. And that includes everything: Selmer CT, vintage mouthpiece, Legere Euro-reed, ligature and cap. I've played both jazz and classical gigs on it with ease.
I honestly think that most players could put together a complete setup they love for under $2000 per instrument, if they were taught a) the dynamic and timbral range necessary for a professional job and b) where to look for their gear--including what model will get them the desired sound. Some prefer a vintage Buffet sound, others a contemporary 'covered' sound, others a vintage large bore sound...
The one exception, I think, is that German sound. Those instruments are just plain pricey, and there's no escaping it. But even then, it's possible to find used Wurlitzers occasionally.
Several years ago, I decided to stock up on vintage equipment at the right prices, so that I'd never need to buy anything else again. I purchased somewhere around 20 mouthpieces of the same model (varying quality, but each of them possible to gig on, with some work), three clarinets (one gigging, two back-ups), four or five of my favorite vintage ligatures...and probably paid less that $2500 total, for the whole lot. Now I smile quietly when someone asks me to play the newest gear/panacea. I don't need it, thanks. Of course you have to be happy with your playing, and confident with your concept, in order to make such decisions. But that's why you need to spend years working on etudes, studies, and gaining experience through gigs before worrying so much about the final tweaks to your equipment.
In the meantime, beware those $7000 ligatures with the lightening rod attachment, encrusted with rhinestones (or diamonds for an extra $2000 + tax)...you're sound might indeed be brighter, but only for one moment.
Eric
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The Jazz Clarinet
http://thejazzclarinet.blogspot.com/
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